Santa Barbara, United States 🇺🇸
#1275
34.422131, -119.702667
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santa Barbara is a coastal city located on the Central Coast of California, known for its Mediterranean climate and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 92,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 150 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1 USD (USD is the local currency). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and tested regularly for quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, ⏚ Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase offer services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Common options include Airbnb, local apartments, and extended-stay hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, the majority of establishments accept credit and debit cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and VRBO are popular platforms for finding short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include HI Santa Barbara Hostel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Santa Barbara Coworking |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Handlebar Coffee Roasters is known for its ambiance and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech Meetup at Santa Barbara Public Library every month. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Santa Barbara Expats Meetup Group on Meetup.com. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft are widely used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Coastal Bike Rentals offers rentals along the coast. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | East Beach is 5 minutes away and offers beautiful views. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Alaska Airlines serves regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta operate flights to major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to U.S. Highway 101 and California State Route 154. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Santa Barbara Amtrak Station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | MTD offers monthly and day passes for bus services. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities such as Goleta and Carpinteria. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is well-rated. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Collective offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 24 Hour Fitness and YMCA provide fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Sparkle Cleaners offers laundry services across the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and DoorDash are popular options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fish Tacos are a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mesa Verde provides excellent plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | McConnell's Fine Ice Creams is a must-visit. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Santa Barbara Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local delivery services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart partners with local grocery stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | State Street is the hub for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Santa Barbara Brewing Company offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Cask is a popular choice for local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Santa Barbara's Food Truck Friday events offer a variety of cuisines. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant A La Vista serves wonderful Mexican food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Santa Barbara Mission is a historic site worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Santa Barbara Museum of Art offers diverse exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | El Presidio de Santa Barbara is significant for its history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Old Mission Santa Barbara. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Santa Barbara International Film Festival takes place in early February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Funk Zone is known for wineries and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Granada Theatre features a variety of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show every Sunday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | SOhO Restaurant & Music Club features live performances regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found throughout the Funk Zone. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Santa Barbara Culinary Experience offers classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Various independent galleries exist, like the Sullivan Goss Gallery. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Courthouse is an architectural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Spanish and Mexican heritage is visible throughout the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Los Padres National Forest is nearby for outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Channel Islands National Park is accessible by boat. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Cabrillo Bike Path is popular among cyclists. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Inspiration Point offers stunning views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Goleta Beach is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | East Beach has designated bonfire pits. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx and UPS locations are available throughout the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFixScreens offers reliable tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis clubs are available at local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Santa Barbara Language Academy offers various language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Santa Barbara Public Library is a popular study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Unity Shoppe provides community services and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On is a venue for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casino directly in Santa Barbara; closest options in nearby cities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200,000 (e.g., 50 m² = $1,200,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750,000 (e.g., 50 m² = $750,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500,000 (e.g., 60 m² = $1,500,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $850,000 (e.g., 60 m² = $850,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800,000 (e.g., 80 m² = $1,800,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100,000 (e.g., 80 m² = $1,100,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 21% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Qualified dividends taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on income. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on income levels. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate can be up to 13.3%. |
| 🧾 VAT | California has no state-level VAT, but sales tax is around 7.25%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, IRS has specific regulations for foreign corporate income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Assessed value; rates vary by locality around 1%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No additional property transaction tax, but applicable local fees. |